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Spirituality: An Intricate Part of Cancer Recovery

If any words universally strike fear in the hearts of people, they are, “You have cancer.” Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, people’s first question is often, “Am I going to die?” The answer to that depends on the type of cancer a person has, how early it was detected, how aggressive the cancer is, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. A cancer diagnosis can bring up a wide range of difficult emotions and significantly impact many areas of a person’s life. The support of a Spiritual Counselor to help cope with the psychological impact of cancer may be an invaluable aspect of the treatment process for people with cancer and their loved ones.

Spirituality can be a great source of strength, connection, hope, and meaning as you and your family cope with cancer and its impact on your lives.

Finding Comfort in Spirituality

Spirituality is a chance to be reconnected to God, a religious tradition, and a community that provides hope and strength for the cancer patient.

Spirituality may help patients and families find deeper meaning and experience a sense of personal growth during cancer treatment, while living with cancer, and as a cancer survivor.

Spirituality and religion can be important to the well-being of people who have cancer, enabling them to better cope with the disease. Spirituality and religion may help patients and families find deeper meaning and experience a sense of personal growth during cancer treatment, while living with cancer, and as a cancer survivor.

Spirituality versus Religion

Spirituality is the relationship people have with a force or power beyond themselves that helps them feel connected and enrich their lives. Religion is a specific set of beliefs or practices usually connected to an organized group. Some people find spirituality by practicing their religious beliefs, while others find it outside of an organized religion.

Many cancer patients would describe themselves as spiritual, but not necessarily religious, experts say.

People who are already religious often become more deeply religious being diagnosed with cancer, whereas others who were not religious sometimes seek spirituality and a connection to a power outside themselves after the diagnosis.

Often people return to the religious traditions of their childhood, experts say. But others may find comfort in a new tradition.

Spirituality Can Enhance Quality of Life for Cancer Patients

Experts say that spiritual or religious practices can help you adjust to the effects of cancer and its treatment. Patients who rely on their faith or spirituality tend to experience increased hope and optimism, freedom from regret, higher satisfaction with life, and feelings of inner peace. In addition, patients who practice a religious tradition or are in touch with their spirituality tend to be more compliant with treatment and live a healthier lifestyle.

Studies show spirituality also can have a direct impact on quality of life by contributing to your physical health. Among the benefits shown in studies are:

Decreased feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger

Decreased feelings of loneliness

Decreased alcohol and drug abuse

Lowered blood pressure

Better control of pain, nausea, and discomfort

A Place for Spirituality in Your Cancer Care

Even though there are more cancer survivors today than ever before, a cancer diagnosis is scary for most people because they are suddenly faced with their mortality. They also don’t know what to expect from the cancer and treatment, although they know it will be challenging.

Often cancer patients report that they feel alone because they believe that no one can truly know what they are going through. Ministers practice what is called compassionate presence, where they make themselves available to help people with cancer feel more connected to another human being, and perhaps to God, during this part of life’s journey.

Patients may have a lot of support from family, friends, and community, but yet, they still can feel alone. In the middle of the night, when everyone goes home, you are alone with your thoughts, and you really lean on God.

Many newly diagnosed cancer patients pray for a cure. However, if a cure is not in sight, cancer patients may look for emotional healing and often hope this healing can come from their spiritual relationship. They want to find meaning in their lives and their existence, and they are looking for a sense of support.

When Spirituality Is Not Comforting

For some, a cancer diagnosis has the opposite effect on their sense of spirituality. It makes them doubt their beliefs or religious values, challenges their faith, and can cause spiritual distress. Some people become angry with God for allowing them to get cancer or wonder if they are being punished.

Spiritual distress can make it harder for patients to cope with cancer and its treatment. If you feel this way, it could have a negative effect on your attitude and progress. However, even people who are angry at God or are non-believers might benefit from talking to a Spiritual Counselor, experts say. Expressing feelings of shaken belief to someone who may be able to help restore faith, or even just understand your anger and doubts, can be therapeutic.

How to Find Spiritual Help if You Have Cancer

You shouldn’t be afraid to ask to see a Spiritual Counselor. Even if he or she is not of your faith, they have helped many people take a similar journey, and will not try to convert you to a particular religious belief. The Spiritual Counselor is there to offer solace, not conversion.

The Spiritual Counselor will spend time talking with you, will pray with and for you, and will offer a compassionate presence when you need it. And if you want to see a person in a certain religious tradition, such as a priest or a rabbi, the Spiritual Counselor can find someone for you.

Spiritual practices that may help you cope with your cancer and its treatments include:

Praying alone or with someone else

Having someone else pray for you

Meditation

Meditative breathing

Reading scripture or other holy works

Saying one passage from your religious tradition over and over again like a mantra

Using the language of your religion, such as Hebrew, Arabic, or Latin, in your prayers

Listening to classical or spiritual music

Yoga

Talking about spiritual matters with another

During times of pain and discomfort, during treatments, or when you feel alone, these and other practices can help take you mentally to another place where you feel whole, connected, and at peace.

Who we are

Holistic Health Center is operated by Dr. Kevin Kilday who has been trained as a Minister and a Pastoral-Spiritual Counselor and is able to counsel a variety of faiths.

Dr. Kilday is here to listen and to help guide you, regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs, by talking about your unique story, faith issues, ethical concerns, and ways to think about this life-changing experience. Dr. Kilday can also help with any other challenges you may be facing.

Whether you are seeking emotional support, spiritual counsel, prayer, or a sacrament, you and your family are welcome to contact Dr. Kilday at Holistic Health Center, 500 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, Fl. 32935, Ph. 321-549-0711.